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THE ROUGH RIDER 



A FLAY IN FOUR ACFS 



/ 

By BERNARD FRANCIS MOORE 

AUTHOR OF "CAPTAIN JACK," "THE IRISH AGENT," "BROTHER 

AGAINST BROTHER," ETC., ETC. 




BOSTON 




J:^ 



1898 




THE ROUGH RIDER. 



1 / 9 9 8 CHARACTERS. 



James Crawford, a Cuban planter, formerly of New York City. 
Robert Hamilton, his secretary, afterivards a captain of the "Rough 

Ridcrsr U. S. V. 
Ramon M ar Ay: a, overseer of tJie plantation, and a ivolfin sheep's clothing. 
Don Louis Marana, his son, affencards a Spanish cavalry captain. 
Dennis Rafferty, a product of the Emerald Isle and a corporal in the 

" Rough Riders," U. S. V. 
Sam Jackson, an American of dark color, and Robert's body servant. 
Pedro, a Cuban spy. 
Alma Crawford, 'the planter's daughter. 
Inez, her maid, a young Cuban girl. 

American and Spanish Soldiers, etc. 



ACT FIRST.— The Crawford Plantation— Santiago, Cuba— May, 1898— 
Gathering Clouds. 

ACT SECOND.— "With the Boys in Blue."— In the Trenches^July, 
1898 — Kidnapped. 

ACT THIRD.— A Room in the Fort— The Prisoners— The fall of San- 
tiago ! 

ACT FOURTH— The Crawford Plantation— Six Months Later— After 
the Struggle — The Stars and Stripes over All. 




Copyright, 1898, by Walter H. Baker & Co, 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 3 

COSTUMES. 

James Crawford. Brown linen coat, pants and vest ; soft shirt and 
black string tie, straw hat, mixed gray wig, short mixed gray beard. 

Robert Hamilton. White linen pants and coat, soft shirt and tie, 
straw hat, for Acts First and Fourth. Uniform of a Captain of the 
" Rough Riders," for Acts Second and Third. Sword and pistols for 
Act Second only. Black curly wig, 

Ramon Mara X A. White linen coat and pants, soft shirt and tie for 
Act First. Uniform of an officer of the Spanish army for Act Third 
Beard and wig of black. 

Louis Marana. White linen coat and pants, soft shirt and lie, straw 
hat for Act First, An old tattered pair of pants, blue flannel shirt, tat- 
tered straw hat, one suspender holding pants up, face and hands almost 
black for Act Second. Uniform of a Spanish captain in Act Third. 
Same costume, with the addition of a coat and scrubby beard for Act 
Fourth. 

Dennis Rafferty. White overall, calico shirt and straw hat for 
Act First. Unifonn of a corporal of " Rough Riders," for Act Second. 
Same costume as Act First for Act Fourth. Red wig and mustache. 

Sam Jackson. Blue overalls and calico shirt with sleeves rolled up, 
overalls, and blue soldier jacket and hat for Act Second. A Spanish 
coat and cap with gun for Act Third. Same costume as Act First for 
Act Fourth. Black hands and face, kinky wig. 

Pedro. Old black ragged pants and coat, straw hat for .^cts Second 
and Third. White overalls and calico shirt for Act Fourth. Face and 
hands darkened. 

Alma Crawford. White muslin dresses trimmed with blue ribbons 
for Acts First and Fourth. White duck skirt and jacket, pink waist, 
hat to match, for Acts Second and Third. Blonde wig. 

Inez. Dark red skirt and black waist, black lace scarf wrapped 
around neck, face and hands of a dark brown color, but not as black as 
Pedro's. 




THE ROUGH RIDER. 



ACT I. 

Scene. — A pretty iiitc^'ior. Large door C. opening into a 
garden. Door L. opening into another room. Wijtdow R., 
half open, white muslin curtain on window, tied back with 
blue ribbons ; cane-seated sofa down L., desk and chair 
down R., straw matti?ig on the floor. On the wall L. c. a 
medium sized Ajnericati flag. The room has a cool and in- 
viting look. 

[James /j seated at desk writing. The sound of a piano 
is heard from off L. playing the " Union Forever," as 
the curtain rises, gradually growing fainter, until it 
dies out altogether. 

James {listening and theji with a sigh). The " Union For- 
ever." What memories does not that old sono- recall. Will the 
time ever come when this beautiful down-trodden island will be 
free from the yoke of the Spanish government .'' Will the destruc- 
tion of the " Maine " in the harbor of Havana, be the means of 
adding the single star of the insurgents' flag to the glorious old 
stars and stripes ! Will the time ever come when this fertile 
island will be under the protection of the American gov^ern- 
ment ? [^Begins to write again. 

Ramon enters /r^w l. 

Ramon {removing hat and bowing). Good-morning, Senor 
Crawlord. 

James {turning arotmd in surprise and then nodding). Ah, 
you, Ramon. What is it you wish to say to me ? Has anything 
happened of importance ? Has news been received from Wash- 
ington, about the approaching struggle ? 

Ramon {shaking his head slowly). I have heard no news as 
yet, Senor. I came in to tell you the material has just arrived 
for the new outhouses. The carrier has also just arrived with 
the letters and papers from the city of Santiago. 



6 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

James {throiving down pen and rising). Ah, the papers are 
what I want. Is there anything about the finding of the board 
of inquiry concerning the destruction of the American battle- 
ship " Maine." 

Ramon {shaking his head). Nothing so far, Sefior Crawford. 
However all the search in the world will only prove the ship 
met with an accident. That the explosion came from the inside 
of the boat and not from any torpedo hidden in the water will 
be easily proved. {Quickly.) But why is the sefior so anxious 
to find out ? 

James {proudly^. Because I am an American, and the men 
killed in the darkness of the night were also Americans ! 
{Sternly.) And if the Spanish government had anything to do 
with this despicable plot, it will receive a Jesson it will never 
forget. [Exit L. quickly. 

Ramon [looking after him and then with a sneer). So the 
Spanish will receive a lesson they will never forget, eh ? Just 
like all Americans ! You think your own country the greatest 
on earth. {Warnijigly .) But beware, Sefior Crawford ! Don't 
trifle with the Spanish, or you may learn that you have gone too 
far before we get through with you ! {Savagely.) Curse you, 
James Crawford, how I hate you ! You little knew who I was 
when I applied for the position of overseer of the plantation and 
what motive I had in doing so. {Shaking his fist after Jiitn.) 
But you will in time, never fear, you will in time. 

[Louis enters /^^^^-'z c. smoking, 

Louis {blowing a cloud of smoke, in the air). Well, father, 
what devilment are you up to now ? You have a look on your 
face that would shake the American continent from shore to 
shore. 

Ramon {looking aroujid in alarm and then speaking in a 
whisper). You fool ! How many times must 1 tell you not to 
call me father ? Especially while you are under this roof. 
Someone might hear you, and then all my scheming would be 
in vain. {Grasping him by the arm and looking around.) 
While you are in this house, we must not be known as father 
and son. Understand that in future, Louis. 

Louis {nodding his head slowly). You are quite right. 
{Quickly.) But will you kindly let me know what kind of a 
game you are playing, so that in future I may be on my guard. 

Ramon {thotightfully). I don't know as it will do you much 
good to know. Still in future you will be prepared not to make/ 
a mess of it by your rashness. 

Louis. Then let me know at once. As the Yankees say, I 
am dying to find out. 

Ramon. Years ago, while in New York, I accidentally met 
one of the handsomest girls I ever laid my eyes on. We were 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 7 

introduced to each other, and it seemed to be a case of love at 
first sight — at least it was on my side. 

Louis {latcghing). So it seems you were susceptible to female 
loveliness, alter all, eh ? 

Ramon {coldly). You think it strange that the man you call 
by the name of father never felt the tender pangs of love. 
{Quickly^) Boy, this girl was a perfect angel, if there ever was 
one on earth. Yes, Louis, I have felt the pierce of Cupid's dart. 

Louis {laughing). I suppose you must have, or I would not 
be here at the present time. 

Ramon {ster^tly). Young man, your mother I honored and 
respected, but never loved, 

Louis {in amazement). The deuce you didn't ! 

Ramon {sneering). It surprises you, does it ? 

Louis {nodding his head slowly). Well, rather. 

Ramon. You will find out a great many more things that 
will surprise you, when you come to know me better, my dear 
son, Louis. 

Louis {laughing). I haven't the slightest doubt of it. But 
continue with the story you commenced. 

Ramon. Very well. Pay strict attention to what I am say- 
ing and you will then know why I hate this Yankee dog as 1 do ! 

Louis {looking around). Hurry up, then, before someone 
comes along and interrupts us. 

Ramon. Listen then. I proposed to this young woman and 
was most politely refused. My rank as a Spanish nobleman had 
no attraction for her. 

Louis. Hem ! 

Ramon. Yes, refused me. I, Don Ramon Marana, of Cas- 
tile, son of one of Spain's greatest noblemen, for the sake of a 
low down American dog, without the semblance of a title. 
{Savagely.) And do you know why I was refused ? Do you 
know, I say ? 

Louis {sJiaking his head slowly). I haven't the slightest idea, 
I am sure. Perhaps, the young lady loved the American better 
than she did you. 

Ramon {slowly). You are right, Louis. The fair American 
girl did love some one else better, and that some one was James 
Crawford. 

Louis {in amazement^. James Crawford ! 

Ramon. You are surprised, eh ? 

Louis {nodding). Well, rather. 

Ramon. I swore to be revenged on him for marrying the 
only woman I ever loved ! But the American is a sly devil, and 
has baffled me so far. The wife died in giving birth to Alma. 
I lost track of them for years and only recently discovered them 
living in Cuba. The flame of my vengeance has been smoulder- 



8 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

ing all these years, but has never entirely died out. I happened 
to be in this neighborhood when he advertised for an overseer 
for his plantation, and I determined to cast my rank to the winds 
and accept a position in his house. I applied for the position 
and was accepted. 

Louis. And were you not afraid he would recognize you ? 

Ramon {shaking his head slowly). Not at all, my son. 
While the years have dealt kindly with him they have made 
many changes in me. 

Louis. And what do you intend to do ? 

Ramon. That you shall hear now. In the first place you 
shall marry the girl at all hazards. 

Louis. And what if she refuses ? 

Ramon {stertily). Marry her anyway ! The day for the 
completion of my revenge is close at hand. The destruction of 
the American battleship " Maine " was the first step in the 
right direction. In a short time from now it will be Don 
Ramon Marana, who will be proprietor of these vast estates, 
and James Crawford the slave ! {Listejiing j then quickly.) 
Someone is coming. It will never do for the two of us to be 
seen together, as it may excite suspicion. So for the present, 
my son, I will leave you. [Exit L. quickly. 

Louis {looking after him). So, my respected father, that is 
why you are humbling yourself at the present time. You may 
be a smart man, but I am afraid you will find your match in 
the American James Crawford. [Exit L., puffing his cigar. 

Dennis enters /^^w c. 

Dennis {looki7ig around in surprise). Shure, there's no wan 
in the room at all, at all. I was positive I heard some wan 
talkin' in this room just before I entered. An' it seemed to me 
as if wan ov thim was the new overseer. There is somethin* 
strange about that divil I don't understand. He claims to be a 
Cuban, but he seems more like a Spaniard to me. Whoever 
was in the room was using tobacco, for I can smell the smoke. 

Inez enters froni l. 

Inez ^in surprise). Senor Rafferty ! 

Dennis [bowijig). Acushla ! {Aside.) Be heavens, that's 
Irish an' not Spanish ! {Aloud.) Senorita, why do you always 
call me Sefior Rafferty ? Why don't you call me plain Dennis 
like all the rest av thim. 

Inez {sittitig on sofa). The sefior forgets I am a Cuban girl. 
To speak to the sefior like that would make me-his equal. Such 
I am not at the present time. The Cubans are now fighting for 
their liberty. We are treated simply as slaves by the Spanish 
government. 



THE ROUGH RIDER, ^ 

Dennis [siiting on the side of desk). You just show me the 
Spanish galoot that treats you as a slave, an' I'll just take an' 
kick the divilment out av him ! {Aside.) Now to make an im- 
pression on her. {Aloud.) You know I am a good man whin 
it comes to a fight. I am afraid of nothing. 

Inez [smiling). How brave you are, Senor. 

Dennis {aside). I'll have her yet. I'll have her yet ! {Aloud.) 
But, sefiorita, haven't you iver thought av gittin' married ? 
{Aside.) Now to git mushy. {Aloitd.) Haven't ye iver felt 
the tinder pangs av love's young drame ? 

Inez {sighing). Love ! 

Dennis {nodding). Yis, fair creature, love ! {Aside.) I'll 
win her this time if that divil av a nagur will only kape away 
until I can pop the question. 

Inez. And what is love, Senor Rafferty ? 

Dennis {aside). I wonder is this Cuban girl stringin' av me. 
{Aloud.) Love, me darlin', is whin ye have such a feelin' for 
another person that ye can't do without him. 

[Sam runs in frojn c. ajid remains standing in the door- 
way, with a smile on his face, and unseen by either 
07te of the others. 

Sam {grifining). Hi ! the I'ishman, am makin' love agin. 
I'll have some fun with the two of them. 

[Exit door C, but peeps in from time to time. 

Inez, {holding doivn her head). And has the Sefior 
Rafferty ever felt like that ? 

Dennis {aside). Lots av times before. {Aloud.) Niver 
until I saw you, me fair sefiorita. 

Inez {archly). And you are sure you love me, then ? 

Dennis {shaking his head quickly). I am that. {Aside.) 
She's mine this time. 

Inez. But the man I marry must fight for my country, for 
the liberty of Cuba. 

Dennis {quickly). Faith, I'll fight for it five times, if wance 
ain't enough, if you'll promise to be me own true lovin' little 
wife. 

Sam {looking in). Everythin' am cert'nly workin' in the 
I'ishman's favor this time. I'll have to get my work in before 
I'm too late. 

Dennis. Well, me darlin' ; I'm waitin'. {Crosses to L.) 

Sam {looking in and mewing like a cat). Miaw ! 

Inez {jumping up in alarm). Oh, Senor Rafferty, what a 
horrible sound. 

Dennis {looking around the room). Sh ! it sounds to me like 
the dying wail av a managerie. 

[Sam looks in, grins, aiid then mews again. 

Inez. Mercy ! The room must be haunted ! {Runs out L.) 



lO THE ROUGH RIDER. 

'DQl[i'm.'& {looking around the room closely). I knew we had 
cats on the plantation, but I never knew before they were as big 
as tigers. The cat that gave that last cry must be the size av 
an elephant. [Sam looks in and then mews again. 

Dennis {jumping around in affright). Be heavens, I thought 
he was on me shoulders that time. {Goes down on his hajids 
and knees and begi?is to search.) I'll find him this time if he's 
in the room. (Sam pokes his head in and mews just as Den- 
nis looks up ajid catches him.) Ah, ah, nagur, so you were 
the cause av the disturbance, eh ? {Juinping up.) 

Sam enters frojn c. 

Sam {laughing). I'ishman don't get mad. 

Dennis. Nagur, do you know what I have a mind to do with 
you ? 

Sam ( shaking his head). Don't know, sah. 

Dennis. I have a good mind to break yer head. {He doubles 
up and shakes his fist at Sam.) 

%2:^ {looking away from him). White man, yo' git funny 
w'th me an' I'll cert'nly ha'm yo' bad. Yo' he'h me speakin' 
now, white man. 

Dennis {making^a face at him). Go on, you nagur. 

Sam {making jf ace at Dennis). Go on, yo' no 'count I'ishman. 
Yo' ain't even got a country of yo' own. 

Dennis {in amazement). Well, well, would ye listen to that 
now ! An' I suppose you have ? 

Sam {proudly). Yes, sah, the greatest on the face of the 
earth ! 

Dennis ijn surprise). Oh, have you now ? An' shure what 
may the name av it be^? Africa, where all the monkeys come 
from ? 

Sam {shaking his head). No, sah, America ! 

Dennis {aside). I'd a murdered him if he said Ireland ! 
{Aloud.) Well, well ! An' do you call yourself an American ? 
An' would ye mind tellin' me what part av America ye call 
home ? 

Sam {proudly). Virginia, sah ! 

Dennis {laughijig). Shure, whin did they ship Thompson 
Street, New York, down to Virginia ? 

Sam. I'ishman', yo' am a liar! 

Dennis. You're a black gorilla, nagur ! {Both clinch and 
begin to struggle.) 

Alma enters from c. 

Alma {in surprise). Why Sam, Dennis, what does this 
mean 1 I am really surprised ! What is the meaning of this 
scene ? 



THE ROUGH RIDER. II 

[A^ sound of her voice both separate and look rather fool- 
ish j Sam stands at door L. ?naking motions for DENNIS 
to say something. 

Dennis (humbly). Shure we were just tryin' to settle a little 
dispute bechune us. 

khi\3i {nodding). Oh, I see ! {Laughing.) Fighting as usual. 
Sam, return to your work. 

Sam {bowing humbly). Yes, missis Alma. 

[Exit L., after making a face at DENNIS. 

Alma. And now, Dennis, I wish to speak to you. {In a 
whisper.) I know I can depend on you. 

Dennis {earnestly). Shure, I'd lay down my life to help you 
if it would do any good ! 

Alma {gratefully). Thank you, Dennis ! {Looks around 
cautiously.) I want you to keep an eye on this new overseer 
that my father has engaged. Since the trouble between 
America and Spain commenced it seems to me his actions are 
rather suspicious than otherwise. I am afraid he is not as loyal 
to the Cuban cause as he pretends. 

Dennis {nodding). I'll kape an eye on him, niver fear. An' 
if the divil tries to git funny with me it will be all up with 
him. 

[Exit L. 

Alma {looking after him). Faithful friends ! {Sits oji sofa.) 
All the time quarrelling, and yet the best of friends at all times. 
This home would indeed be lonesome if it wasn't for the two of 
them. {Quickly.) Ah, I had quite forgotten Robert. {Thought- 
fully.) I wonder does he ever think of me in the same way as 
I do of him. {Shaking her head slowly.) I am afraid not. 

Robert enters from c. 

Robert {quickly advancing towards Alma). Miss Alma, 
can I speak to you for a moment on a very serious question ? 
I won't detain you but a moment. 

Alma {rising in surprise). Why, certainly you can. But 
you seem to be excited. 

Robert {nodding his head quickly). And I have good cause 
to be. 

Alma. What do you mean, Robert ? 

Robert {slowly). I mean I am going to quit the employment 
of your father ! 

Almav {in ainasement). You are going to leave my father ! 
And why are you going to leave us, Robert ? 

Robert. Because my first duty is towards my country ! I 
am going to fight for the honor of the stars and stripes ! I am 
going to help avenge the brave sailors who perished in the de- 
struction of the " Maine." Their blood cries to heaven for 



12 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

vengeance ! It is the duty of every patriotic American citizen 
to shoulder a gun in the corning struggle ! 

Alma {in surprise). But war has not been declared yet ! It 
may all pass off peaceably enough. 

Robert {shaking his head quickly). You are wrong, Alma. 
There is nothing left for the Spanish nation to do but acknowl- 
edge they destroyed the " Maine," or fight ! The former they 
will never do, the latter they must do ! I wouldn't be surprised 
to hear that war was declared between Spain and America in- 
side of twenty-four hours. I am going to leave for New York 
at once. But before I go I wish to speak to you about some- 
thing that concerns me very deeply. 

Alma {quietly). I am all attention, Robert. 

Robert. You and I have known each other for a number of 
years. The more I have seen of you, the better I have liked you, 
until this liking has turned into love. I am leaving now and 
may never return again. But before I go I wish to hear from 
your own lips what my fate is going to be. If you say yes, I can 
face the enemy with the satisiaction that some one is waiting 
for my safe return. And now, Alma, you have heard my con- 
fession. I love you truly and want you to be my wife. What 
is your answ'er going to be ? 

Alma (^<!'-$"/z/z^//y). Here is my answer, Robert. {She places 
arms around his neck and kisses him.) I will be your wife 
whenever you want me. 

Robert {in delight). You mean it, Alma ? 

Alma. Yes, Robert, I do. 

Robert. Then the war can't come any too soon for me. Let 
us go and see w^hat your father has got to say about the matter. 

Alma {laughing). With all my heart. 

[^Both exeunt hand-in-hand. 

Louis tTi\t\^from l. 

Louis {looking around). I thought perhaps I might be able to 
see the fair American senorita. I must tind how I stand in the 
game of love with the young woman. If I could only get the 
damned young American out of my way, I would stand a better 
show of winning his fair countrywoman ! 

James enters/^^w l. 

James {quietly). Well, Seiior Marana, I am afraid it's all up. 
War is sure to be declared, and then it will be all up with Cuba 
as a Spanish possession. 

Louis {slowly). You mean that Cuba will be freed ? 

James. Yes, and in a hurry ! 

Louis. Perhaps not. Remember the Spanish nation can 
fight ! 



THE ROUGH RIJDER. 



13 



James {laughing). They won't think so when the boys of 
Uncle Sam get through with them ! 

Louis {aside). You cursed American dog ! {Aloud.) Let 
us hope it won't come to the worst, Senor Crawford. And now 
that we are face to face there is something I wish to say to you. 

James {quietly). Well, sir ? 

Louis. It's something that concerns your daughter and my- 
self very deeply. 1 love her and wish to make her my wife ! 

James {slowly). Well, Senor, I never interfere in the happi- 
ness of my daughter in any manner whatsoever. What answer 
did she make to your declaration of love .'' ^- 

Louis {slowly). You will pardon me. Seizor, but I have not 
yet spoken to your daughter on the subject. 

James {laughing). So you believe in speaking to the father 
first t 

Louis {nodding). Yes, Senor, I do. 

James. I will send for my daughter and hear what she has 
to say for herself. 

\^She overhears his last words as she enters. 

Alma enters /V^w c. 

Alma. I am here to answer for myself, father. What is it 
you wish to know of me ? 

James {pointing to Louis). This gentleman will tell you 
himself. Speak up, young man, and don't be afraid. 

Louis. Senorita Crawford, I have just asked your hand in 
marriage from your father. 

James {quietly). You have heard the question. Alma, and 
can now answer for yourself. 

Alma {slowly). I am very sorry, father, but I am forced to 
decline his kind offer. I am the promised wife of another. 

Louis {quickly). You have promised to marry Senor Ham- 
ilton ? 

Alma {bowing). I have. 

Louis {furiously). And so you prefer the love of this Amer- 
ican pauper to that of a Spanish nobleman t 

James {in amazeinent). A Spanish nobleman ? Then you 
are not a Cuban as you pretended ? 

Louis {in disgust). A Cuban ! The Cubans are all black. 
I am a white man ! My father is one of the great men of Spain. 

Robert enters from c. 

Robert {holding up a paper). Glad news ! War has been 
declared between Spain and the United States ! A call has been 
issued for volunteers ! 

James. And are you going to enlist, Robert ? 



14 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

Robert. You bet I am, and fight like a demon for the stars 
and stripes ! 

Louis {savagely). Curse the stars and stripes ! Thus do we 
of Spain treat the boastful flag of America ! 

\He tears down the flag fro7n the wall, throws it on the 

floor and stamps 07i it. 
Robert {quickly). Take that, you Spanish dog ! 

\He strikes him with his fist and knocks him down. 
Alma {in alar?n). Oh, Robert, what have you done ? 

[Places hand on his arm. 
Robert {fearlessly). Struck the first blow for the freedom of 
Cuba and the honor of America ! 

[Picks up flag and wraps it aroujid her shoulders. Alma 
and Robert c. ; Louis lying on the floor l. ; James 
standing R. 

SLOW CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

Scene. — A deep wood, full depth of stage. Wood wiftgs and 
borders ; grass carpet down ; a number of guns are stacked 
down R. ; the stump of ati old tree down L., used for a seat ; 
lights half down. Runni7ig from R. 4 E. to L. 4 e. is a 
wall of brush three feet high j the flat shows a continua- 
tion of the woods in the distance. Music " The girl I left 
behind me.'' 

Dennis is stajidingv.. lookijig at the guns as the curtain rises. 

Robert enters /i^^w l. 

Robert {laughi7ig). Well, Sergeant Rafferty, do you think 
any of the guns managed to escape ? 

Dennis {tur7ti7tg aroimd at sou7id of the voice a7id then 
saluti7ig). I was only thinkin' how many Spanish lives aich 
wan av thim guns contained. {Quickly.) But thin the dirty 
skunks won't show thimselves so that wan avour min can raich 
thim with a bullet ! 

Robert {7ioddi7ig his head slowly). You are quite right, Raf- 
ferty. The Spanish may be great bull-fighters, and all that, 
but when it comes man to man and gun to gun, they are away 
out of reach. 

[Sits dow7t L. ; takes a cigar fro77i pocket, lights sa77ie and 

begi7is to s77ioke. 

Dennis {throwi7ig hi7nself 071 the gro2i7id). Thrue for ye, 
sur. So long as they can jab a knife in yer back, or run it across 
yer neck whin yer not lukm', they are a mighty brave lot av min, 
an' no mistake. 



THE ROUGH RIDER. t.5 

[IVhi/e he is speaking he has been filling a pipe which he 
now lights and begins to puff. 

Robert. So it seems, Dennis. But I am afraid they have 
met their match at last in the brave boys of Uncle Sam ! 

Dennis ( puffing at his pipe and theft blowing a cloud of 
smoke in the air). We'd make short wurk av the divils if they 
would only come out an' show thimselves like min. {In disgust.) 
This blashted bush fightin' is somethin' I don't like at all ! Wan 
minute up to yer neck in wather an' the next almost killed be 
the heat av the sun ! 

Robert (laughing). Have no fear, Dennis, most of the 
" Rough Riders," are cowboys from the West, and well used 
to all kinds of weather and especially this kind of fighting. 
Mark my words, it will only be a short time before Santiago falls 
into the hands of the American soldiers ! 

Dennis. An' heaven help the residents once the Cuban in- 
surgents are allowed to take possession of the city. The wild 
half starved fellows will make short wurk av the garrison an' 
the city itself, I am afraid, 

Robert. That is something General Shafter will not allow. 
The Spanish garrison need have no fear in surrendering. The 
Americans will see they are well protected from the fury of the 
Cuban insurgents. I am afraid the Spanish are going to pay 
dearly for the destruction of the " Maine " before we get through 
with them. They will never want to repeat the trick again ! 

Dennis (indignantly). Serves them right, the cowardly dogs, 
if they lost all their possessions. It may teach them a lesson, 
an' do thim good ! 

Robert. If I only knew for a certainty that Alma and her 
father were safe, I would not worry as I do. But since I have 
learned that Louis Marana has become an officer in the Spanish 
garrison at Santiago, my tears for their safety have redoubled. 
1 am almost driven wild with anxiety about my darling Alma ! 
To have her exposed to the tender mercy of such a man as 
Marana, is something awful to contemplate ! 

Dennis. Have no tear, sir. All will yet end well. Bad as 
the devil is, he wouldn't dare to harm her, I am sure. He 
loves her too dearly. 

Robert {sternly). Curse him, if he offered any harm to 
Alma, i would follow him even to Spain, to wreak my ven- 
geance on his cowardly head ! {Quickly.) But, Dennis, you 
had better go and learn when the next step in the direction of 
Santiago is to be made. 

Dennis {rising and salicting). Very well, captain. I'll be 
back as soon as I can. [Exit R. 

Robert (thoughtfully). What a strange world we are living 
in. Six months ago, who would ever have supposed that the 



1 6 THE ROUGH RlDEft. 

peaceful people of a country like America would be plunged 
into a war with another nation. And yet, strange as it may 
seem, Spain is the very country that advanced the money and 
ships to discover the American continent. Perhaps, after all 
the war may be the biggest kind of a benefit to the Spanish 
nation. Once soundly whipped and her days of underhand 
dealing may come to an end. So far, all is in the hands of 
God who rules the universe as He sees fit. If America is to 
win, America will win in spite of all the soldiers in Spain ! 

Pedro enters/fom r. 4 e. 

Pedro {looks around cautiously and the^i comes down to 
Robert and speaks i7i a whisper after making an awkward 
salute'). Sefior Captain, can I speak to you a moment ? 

Robert {in surprise). Well, sir, who are you, and what do 
you want ? Speak up, man. 

Pedro {Jiumbly). I am known as Pedro, senor. 

Robert {quickly). Ah, yes, you are one of the insurgents we 
picked up on our way here. 

Pedro. Si, senor. But I am more' than the simple insurgent 
you think I am. {Looking around and then in a whisper.) 
I am Pedro, the Cuban spy — the terror of the Spanish army ! 

Robert. Not the same Pedro, the spy, the American soldiers 
have heard so much about .'' 

Pedro {bowing). The same, senor. 

Robert. Well, Pedro, I am glad you are among us, as you 
can be of great help to us at the present. But why do you 
come to me ? Have you news for me .'* 

Pedro. Si, senor. 

Robert. Then out with it at once. 

Pedro. I have been in the city of Santiago less than three 
days ago. One determined assault and the city will fall. The 
soldiers will surrender willingly to the Americans, as it means 
their deliverance from death by starvation. They are without 
ammunition or provisions of any kind. 

Robert {laughing). Well, if the fools will try and hold out 
against us, then they have no one to blame but themselves. 

Pedro {looking around). But, seizor, on my way back here I 
passed the plantation of the rich American, Senor Crawford. 

Robert {eagerly). And are they all well ? 

Pedro. Si, senor. Most of the cattle and provisions have 
been stolen by the Spanish soldiers. 

Robert. And did you see the young lady ? 

Pedro {nodding). Si, senor. And she gave me this letter 
for you. {He takes a letter from his breast which he hands 
to Robert.) And, now, sefior, I must leave you. But before 
I go, I wish to tell you to keep an- eye on three of the Cubans 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 1 7 

in the camp at the present time. I do not know them. Still 
that is not strange, as we are not all known to one another, 
although fighting for the same cause. So keep an eye on them. 
And now, senor, for the present, adios. In case you should 
want me, senor, to send an answer to the letter, you will find 
me among some of the insurgents, adios. [Exit R., quickly. 

Robert {looking at letter). Only to think that for the first 
time since the war commenced, 1 am to hear from my own 
little sweetheart. Let me see what she has to say. [He ope^is 
envelope and takes out sheet of paper which he opens and 
then reads aloud.) " My darling Robert, you don't know 
how delighted I am to hear that you and your gallant comrades 
have landed on the soil of Cuba safe and sound, and will not 
leave again until the stars and stripes shall float in triumph 
over this dov^'n-trodden country as a free nation ! The bearer 
of this letter is a noted Cuban spy and may be relied on ; so 
don't be afraid to trust him. My father and I have made ar- 
rangements with him to conduct us to your camp, if you will 
allow us to visit you. He declares there is no harm in ventur- 
ing to the trenches, as hostilities will not commence again for 
some time. I am fairly dying to see you once more. It may 
be for the last time. If you will permit me to visit the camp, 
just tell the spy and he will conduct me to you without delay. 
Please don't refuse me this time. I am yours lovingly until 
death do us part, Alma Crawford ! " {Rising and folding 
letter he places same in envelope and places it in his breast.) 
By George, she is right ! We can't advance any further for the 
present at least. And, as she says, it may be the last time we 
shall ever meet again. A Spanish bullet is just as liable to kill 
me as any of my comrades. I'll hunt up the spy and have him 
bring Alma and her father to the camp without delay. It will 
be like old times to catch one glimpse of my darling's beautiful 
smiling face. Life in camp won't be so lonely to me when I 
hear from the lips of my future wife that she is still true to her 
fighting American soldier boy. {Quickly.) In the meantime I 
must not forget the advice the spy gave me about keeping an 
eye on the strange insurgents in the camp. Now to find Pedro. 

[Exit R. 

Sam ^Tii^x^ from l. 

Sam {he is carrying a pail of water and wiping his face 
with the back of his hand as he enters). Whew ! The 
weather am cut'nly wa'm. {He places pail on the groufid 
beside the seat L.) My Ian' ! I nevah did see no such weatha in 
America nohow ! A niggah am supposed to love the wa'm 
weather, but this am cut'nly a little too wa'm for this chile. I 
wondah where am the I'ishman ? \I^ooks aroutid. 



l8 THE ROUGH RIDER, 

Deknis enters from r. 

Dennis. Weil, nagur, what are you doin' there ? 

Sam Janning himself with his hat). Trying to keep cool, 
while man, tryin' to keep cool. 

Dennis. An' shure what have ye in the pail, may I ax ? 

\ He points to pail as he speaks. 

Sam That am water fo* massa Robert to drink, yo' fool 
white man. Yo' tink I'm ca'in' watah fo' fun ? 

Dennis. Nagur, whatever ye do don't git funny with the 
army. Ye are shure to git in throuble. 

Sam (making a motiofi with his ha?id as if chasing a 
chicken). Shoo, white man, shoo ! 

Dennis, Nagur, ye are not huntm' for chickens now, so 
shtop wurkin' yer hands. 

Sam. I do cut'nly wish I could lay my hands on a good fat 
chicken now, {Smacking his lips.) Lud, white man, I'd fry 
him, feathers and all ! 

Dennis. For heaven's sake, nagur, don't ye git enough to 
ate ? 

Sam. I cut'nly does, white man ; but yo' nevah heard of an 
army being fed on chicken, did ye ? 

Dennis ishakijig his head a7ici laughing). Not if they didn't 
steal them, nagur. 

yThe sound of a rooster crowitig is heard from off "L. 

quite faintly. 

Sam (quickly ; listening). What am that, I'ish ? 

Dennis (listejting). Sounded like chickens, or I am a liar. 
^Both listen ; the sound is repeated again but much nearer 

than before. 

Sam [excitedly). It am chickens, an' I am going to git one of 
them or die in the 'tempt. [Runs out L. 

Dennis (quickly). Thin, be heavens, if ye are, ye won't have 
it all to yerself, if I can help it ! 

[Runs out L. in ^close pursuit (^/Sam. 

Louis enters yV^^^ R- 4 y.. followed by two men disguised as 

Cubati insurgents. 

Louis {looking around in a cautious 7nan7ier and then speak- 
ing iti a whisper). Now, then, men, listen carefully to what I 
am going to say. {Both meti fiod and bend close to hear what 
he has to say.) This is the camp and headquarters of the 
American, Hamilton. Now here is the plan laid out before us. 
By playing our cards well failure is impossible. And if we do 
fail you know what will become of us. {Both nod.) Now, then. 
{He takes a stnall bottle froj?i his pocket and holds it up for 
them to see.) A few drops of the liquid contained in this bottle 



THE ROUGH RIDER. I9 

placed in this water will render whoever drinks of the same 
unconscious for a number of hours. My object is to capture the 
American captain and carry him back with us to Santiago as a 
prisoner. At a given signal you will fire a number of shots off 
yonder. [Points off i..) That will put the Americans on their 
guard to repulse a sudden attack from the enemy. During the 
e.xcitement we will hurry away with the American officer through 
a secret path I have discovered in the woods. When he recovers 
his senses he will be a prisoner in Santiago. Our only hope is 
to have him drink of the water, (//f empties the bottle into the 
pail of luater.) Away, now, and be ready to do my bidding. 
[Both exeunt R. 4 e.) And now, Senor Hamilton, we will see 
if, when once you are in my power, with no chance of escape, 
the haughty American sefiorita will not promise to be my wife 
in order to save your life ! One swallow of the water and you 
are dead to the world for a number of hours. [Exit R. 4 E. 

Robert enters /rt^w l. 

Robert [looking at his watch). According to what this 
Cuban spy tells me, he should he here in a short time from now 
with Alma and her father. I am so anxious that every minute 
seems an age to me. Perhaps I am too impatient altogether. 
He said it would take him less than an hour to go and come, 
and the time is almost up now. [Looks offR.) As I live, here 
they come now. 

Alma and her father entev from R. 

Alma [rushing into Robert's arms). Oh, Robert, only to 
think that we have the happiness of meeting once more ! I was 
so afraid we should never see each other again. 

Robert (kissing her passionately). Have no fear, darling. 
The Spanish soldiers will have to shoot a great deal straighter 
than they do if they wish to kill any of the men from the Amer- 
ican army ! 

James {who has been up C. examining the brush wall, now 
comes down to where they are stajtding). Yes, but they are 
not in the habit of trying to shoot straight when they can ac- 
complish just as much without any danger to themselves. For 
instance, just take the case of the battleship " Maine." 

Robert [quickly). Which Admiral Dewe)' nobly avenged by 
sinking the Spanish fleet of Admiral Montejo in the bay of 
]\Ianila ! And heaven only knows what Sampson will do with 
the fleet of Admiral Cervera if he can only once get a crack at 
him ! 

James [thoughtfully). What do you mean by Dewey and 
the bay of Manila .'' {Quickly.) Do you mean the American 
fleet was victorious r 



20 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

Robert {nodding). Certainly I do ! Montejo's entire Span- 
ish fleet is now at the bottom of Manila Bay ! The same fate 
that befell the Spanish navy in the waters of the Philippines 
also awaits the ships of Spain in this part of the world ! 

James {in aniazement). Well, well, you surprise me, Robert. 
There was great rejoicing among the people of Santiago over 
the brilliant victory of the Spanisti admiral and the destruction 
of the American fleet. 

Robert {laughing). That is but a sample of the news the 
Spanish are sending out. If the truth were known the soldiers 
of Spain in the garrison of Santiago would throw down their 
arms and refuse to fight longer. 

Alma. Father, hadn't you better tell the news to Robert ? 
As we have been receiving false news from the outside, why 
may not the news of what has been happening on the island be 
W'ithheld from the Americans ? 

Robert {in surprise). What do you mean. Alma ? 

Alma. Father will tell you all. 

James. Listen. Robert, and I will tell you. 

Robert {bowing). Very well, sir, I am all attention. 

Alma. Pay particular attention to what father is saying, and 
when he gets through 1 am sure you will be just the least bit 
surprised. 

Robert. Proceed, Mr. Crawford. 

James. You remember the overseer I had on my plantation 
before the war commenced ? 

Robert. Certainly. He was a red-hot Cuban sympathizer. 

James {nodding). So he led us all to believe. But it turned 
out he was no Cuban, but a Spanish nobleman masquerading as 
a Cuban, and the father of your old enemy Captain Louis 
Marana. 

Robert. And what object had he in masquerading thus ? 

James {shaking his head). That is more than I can say. 
At the present time Ramon Marana is one of the head men of 
the city of Santiago, and his word is law. 

Louis enters from r. 4 e., stops on seeing the others, shakes 
his fist at them, and then exit again. 

Robert iin amazement). Well, well, I must say that I am 
more than surpris'ed ! I am simply astonished ! 

Pedro riDis in from L. 

James. Well, Pedro, what is the matter 1 You seem to be 
excited ? 

Pedro. I think the American senor and his fair daughter 
had better leave the camp at once. 

James. Do you mean that danger threatens us ? 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 21 

Pedro. I am afraid so, sefior. 

Robert. What is the danger, Pedro ? 

Pedro. I am unable to say, senor. But I am afraid the 
Spanish mean to make a combined attack on the camp. There 
will be much danger for the girl if she remains. 

Alma. Perhaps he is right, Robert. We had better return 
at once. By remaining we would only be in your way, and 
thus be an obstacle in the way of your success. 

Robert. Very well, Alma. {He embraces and kisses her, 
and then shakes hands with her father.') And now, Pedro, 
conduct them in safety from the camp. 

Pedro. You can trust me, sefior. 

[Exit L. followed by Alma and her father. 

Robert {looking after them). Dear girl ! If anything should 
happen to her, I wouldn't care how soon a Spanish bullet would 
put an end to my life ! {He sits down L.) How warm it is 
growing ! 

Louis enters frojn R. 4 e. followed by one of his men, and 

both stand watching. 

Robert. The heat of Cuba is something fearful. [Looks 
around and sees a pail of water.) Ah, faithful Sam ! Always 
looking after my comfort and welfare ! Who else would have 
the presence of mind to furnish me with such a pail of clear, 
cool, sparkling water. {He takes a cupfull and drinks it.) 
How strange it tastes. [He drinks another.) What is the 
matter with me ? 

\The cup falls fro)n his hajids, he sways for a mometit 

when Louis crosses quickly from R. and catches him 

jtist as he is about to fall to the ground. 

Louis {Jiolding him in his arjjts, motions for his companion 

to help him j the latter crosses from R. and takes hold of 

Robert's lifeless form.) Quick ! The drug has done its 

work ! 

\They ///"/Robert between them and carry him out r., 
leaving his hat on the ground beside the pail of water j 
a nuinber of shots are heard from off L. followed by 
a volley and then a cheer. 

Dennis qtlX^X^ from l. followed by Sam, who has a 
chicken in each hatid. 

Dennis {calling). Captain, captain, where are you, I say ? 
{He looks aroutid.) 

Sam {Poiitting to hat on ground with his foot.) What am 
that, I'ish ? 

Dennis {picking it up). Shure, it's Robert's hat ? What 
can have become of him ? 



22 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

Sam {excitedly looking off R.). The Lord save us ! There 
goes two men in the distance, an' they have the captain 
'tween 'em, suah ! 

Dennis. The Spanish divils have made a prisoner of him ! 
But we'll save the life av Robert, or die in the attempt ! 

\He raises right hand towards Heaven. 
Sam. 'Deed we will, I'ish ! 

[^He raises right hand with the chicken still held i?i it. 

SLOW CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

Scene. — Interior of a stone block house. Door C, small door 
R., window L., covered with iroti bars ; small table and 
stool dowjt L. Robert is chained to the wall R. c. ; James 
is lying on a heap of straw down R., asleep, ajid chained 
to the floor. Music. 

Robert [struggling with his chains). It's no use. I have 
tried over and over again to break the links, but they are too 
strong for me. It's no use. I may as well save my strength ! 
What can be the meaning ot all this ? How came I to be in 
this strong place ? I remember parting with Alma and her 
father in the camp, and then what happened 1 {Quickly.) Ah, 
yes ! I remember feeling overcome with the heat and sitting 
down. And then what ? Yes, yes, the water ! That was it ! 
The water I drank ! It must have been drugged. I remember 
drinking the second cup, and then I remember nothing more. 
When I came to I found myself in this room with Mr. Crawford 
as my companion, and the both of us chained up like dogs. I 
wonder are we quite near Santiago ? If so we can't be very far 
from the camp of the boys of Uncle Sam, and the guns of 
Sampson will make short work of this place once they are set in 
motion. Whoever had a hand in this dirty piece of work will 
pay dearly if I can lay my hands on them. It's bad enough to 
be a prisoner, but to be chained up like a dog is something I 
can't bear to think of. And we free-born citizens of the grand 
and glorious United States of America ! If Louis Marana or 
his father had anything to do with this work there will be an 
awful account to settle between us when once I am free. 

\^The face of Sam appears at window. He has on a 

Spanish soldier's coat and cap, and a gun over his 

shoulder » 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 2^ 

Sam {looking around cautiously before he speaks, and then 
in a whisper). Massa Robert ! oh, Massa ! 

Robert {looking towards window in surprise). Why, it 
can't be — yes, it's Sam ! Why, Sam, old fellow, how came you 
here ? 

Sam {whispering). Not so loud, massa. Someone might 
hear yo', an' then all the fat would be in the fire, fo' suah. 

Robert {whispering). Trust me, Sam. I will be very care- 
ful. The sight of your welcome face caused me to speak louder 
than I intended to. But you haven't answered my question 
yet. What does it all mean ? 

Sam. Listen, then, fo' I haven't got no time to fool 'round 
heah. 

Robert {quickly). Have no fear, Sam, I'll promise to pay 
particular attention to what you^are going to say. Only try and 
explain this awful mystery to me. Tell me, Sam, for God's sake, 
how I came to be chained up in this hole like a dog ! It's all 
such a deep, dark mystery to me ! 

Sam. Myself an' Massa Pedro tracked yo' to this place. We 
lay in wait an' when we had a good chance made a prisoner of 
the guard. He showed fight, but he won't no mo'. 

Robert {in amazement). You don't mean you killed him ? 

Sam {shaking his head). No, sah ! Pedro finished him 
pretty quick, I can tell yo'. 

Robert. Horrible ! 

Sam. I know dat, sah ! But den Pedro am a Cuban an' he 
was a Spaniard, so that makes um all right. 

Robert. I hope so, Sam. But go on. 

Sam. Den I took his clothes an' gun an' played guard my- 
self, sah. 

Robert. But you haven't told me yet how I came to be here 
along with Mr. Crawford, and how you came to discover us. 

Sam. I'll jess tell yo' in a minute, sah. Dis mo'ning when 
the sudden 'tack came, we couldn't find yo' nohow. We found 
yo' hat aftah hunting all over. Den we saw two men ca'ying 
yo' away with them. We was afraid to chase aftah yo' on 
'count Spanish bullets. We had to wait until Pedro came an' 
den tell him what happened. He swore at fust an' den he went 
hunting all through the camp. We all thought him crazy at 
fust, until he told us three of the Cubans had disappeared. We 
all looked fo' them, sah, but dey was gone fo' suah. Jess den 
one of de men took a drink from the pail of watah, an' him jess 
fell ovah an' we all thinks him dead 1 The doctah examined 
the man an' sed he didn't know what was the mattah with him. 
Den he thinks ob the watah, an' aftah tasting it he say it am 
drugged. 

Robert, And so it was. And then what ? 



24 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

Sam. And then Pedro determined to hunt yo' up if he pos- 
sibly could. So we started out to track your captors and 
yo'self. 

Robert. Wasn't that rather risky, Sam ? 

Sam. Shuah it was. But den I is an' American, sah, an' I 
am not afraid of anything. 

Robert {laughing). Good for you, Sam. But have you any 
idea who it was that brought us here ? 

Sam {nodding). I know dat, loo, sah. 

Robert. You do, Sam ? 

Sam. Yes, sah. Yo* remember the three strange Cubans 
we had in the camp this mo'ning ? 

Robert. Certainly. 

Sam. One of them was Louis Marana, the Spanish cap'n, 
and the others two of his men in disguise. 

Robert {aside). Just as I thought. {Aloud.) How do you 
know that, Sam ? 

Sam. Pedro found um all out. 

Robert. What could have been his object ? 

Sam {shaking his head). I dunno, sah. What troubles me 
am Massa Crawford dead or only jess sleeping. He ain't moved 
since I been here. 

Robert. He is not dead, Sam. As he was captured later 
than I he is still under the influence of some drug. But, Sam, 
won't you try and help us out of this scrape ? Help us to regain 
our liberty. 

Sam. Why, cert'nly, sah, that is why I am here. Can't help 
you now, sah, must wait 'til da'k. 

Robert. I'm afraid it will then be too late ! 

Sam. Well, sah, if yo' am going only jess remembah I am 
heah to die with yo' sah. I must leave yo' now, sah, an* play 
the part of the guard befo* I am discovered to be an American 
nigger, sah. But remembah, if the wust comes to the wust, I'll 
put a chunk of lead into some one for the sake of the Union 
and Old Glory ! [^Disappears from the wiftdow. 

Robert. So Louis Marana is the cause ot my present misfor- 
tune, is he ? Like all of the Spanish dogs, he won't face me 
man to man ! But the time will come when we shall meet, and 
it will be the last time on this side of the grave. {Wildly.) 
Great God ! To think that my peerless Alma may at this 
moment be in the clutches of this monster, almost drives me 
wild ! Oh, woe to you Louis Marana, if anything has happened 
to Alma Crawford. {Savagely.) Curse you ! If she is harmed 
in any way, like the American Indian, 1 will burn you at the 
stake ! 

[James utters a sigh, struggles for a moment, and then 
sits up and looks aroutid in surprise^ and then rubs his 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 25 

eyes in amazonent as he catches sight of Robert 
chained to the wall. 

James {in wonder). What, you Robert ? Do my eyes 
deceive me ? 

Robert {laughing). No, it's I all right ! But how came 
you here ! 

James. And I might ask of you the same question. When 
I left the camp with the Cuban spy, he accompanied me a short 
way and then left me. When a short" distance from the plan- 
tation we met a Cuban woman with a jug of clear, cool looking 
water. She wanted to know if I didn't wish a drink. The day 
was warm and the water cool and inviting. I drank first — and 
that is all I remember. I now wake from my stupor to find 
myself chained to the floor like a dog. How I came here and 
who brought me is more than 1 can tell. {Wildly.) And God 
only knows where my dear child is at the present moment ! 

Robert. At all events it seems you were captured by the 
same means as I was, namely, drugged water. 

James {in surprise). But I left you in camp among your 
own friends, and now I find you here a prisoner as well as 
myself. 

Robert. But you see they got me just the same. 

James {thoughtfully). And what is to be the outcome of all 
this, Robert ? 

Robert. Well, that is hard to say, Mr. Crawford. It all 
depends now on General Shafter and his men. Still, if the worst 
comes to the worst, we have powerful friends close at hand who 
will help us. 

James. You speak hopefully, Robert ! 

Robert. And why shouldn't I ? Sam and Pedro, the Cuban 
spy, are close at hand, and will help us or lose their lives in the 
attempt. 

James. Then at least let us be thankful for that much. But 
have you tried to get rid of your chains "i 

Robert. Yes, long ago. I might just as well command the 
heavens to fall, as to try and break these links of iron. {Lis- 
tening : then quickly.) But hush ! someone is coming ! 

Ramon enters /i^^w r. 

Ramon {looking at the two of them and laughing). And so 
it seems that two of the boastful American dogs will soon be out 
ot the way. 

Robert {sternly). What do you mean, you Spanish hound ? 

Ramon {aside). You shall pay dearly for that, young man ! 
{Aloud.) I mean that unless the American senorita promises 
to marry my son, I will have the two of you put to death ! 

Robert {aside). I'll pretend I haven't heard anything and 



26 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

see what he'll have to say. {Aloud.) Who the devil is your 
son ? I never knew you had one while you worked on the 
plantation. 

James {aside). I wonder what game is Robert up to. 

Ramon {laughing). You, like all the rest believed me to be a 
Cuban and in sympathy with the insurgents. Such was not the 
case. {Proudly.) I am a Spanish nobleman and came to Cuba 
for a purpose. You, James Crawford, should know me well. 

James {scornfully). I am ashamed to say I saw too much of 
you while you worked for me. 

Kamon. I mean before that. Let your memory carry you 
back to twenty years ago, and the city of New York. 

James {quietly). Well, what about it ? 

Kamon. You can't have possibly forgotten Ramon Marana. 

James {sternly). You mean the Spaniard who tried to come 
between me and the girl I made my wife ? 

Ramon {sneering). I see you haven't forgotten. 

James {laughing). How could I forget when I had the hap- 
piness of giving him a first class thrashing. Oh, yes, I remem- 
ber all right. 

Ramon {savagely). And dearly you shall pay for every blow, 
James Crawford, before I get through with you ! 

James. What do you mean, you devil ? 

Ramon {coldly). I mean that I am Ramon Marana, and 
my son is Captain Louis Marana, of the Spanish army ! And I 
am happy to say, my son is the future husband of the American 
senorita ! 

Robert {furiously). Curse you ! If I was free of these 
chains, I would tear you limb from limb! {Wildly.) Oh, 
heavens 1 For the strength to break the accursed chains. 

\^He struggles to free himself. 

Ramon (laughijig). Have no fear, my brave American hero, 
they are quite strong enough to hold you and a good many more 
of your countrymen ! 

Robert. Take care they are not the means of your death in 
the end. 

Ramon {laughing). I'll take chances, sefior. I am going to 
have my son bring the American senorita into this room. I 
have sent for a priest who will be here in a short time and will 
make them man and wife, and in this very room. You, my 
American prisoners, shall act as the witnesses. And then the 
vast Crawford plantation will fall into the hands of my son. 

James. You scoundrel ! 

Ramon {coolly). Remember, a Spaniard never forgets. 

Robert. Nor an American either ! 

Ramon iinockingly). For the present, senors, adios ! 

[Exit R. with a smile on his face. 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 2/ 

James. Oh, go to the devil ! 

Robert {tit,ggiiig at his chains). Oh God ! will that infernal 
devil be allowed to triumph in his evil designs ? Oh, why don't 
Sam come to our help before it's too late ? 

James. Perhaps help may be closer at hand than we are 
aware of (^Listen.) Hush ! I am afraid the devil is coming 
back ! 

Pedro enters /?'('w c, 

Pedro [in it whisper as he motions fo7' them to remain 
quiet). Hush ! Senors, don't speak above a whisper, or you 
will ruin all. 

Robert {in amazement). You, Pedro ! 

Pedro {nodding). Si, senor, it's me all right. I come to 
liberate you both. The American soldiers are advancing in 
this direction and may be here in a short time. The guns on 
the big American ships are going to commence shelling the city 
again. {He produces a key and unlocks the chai?is of James 
ajtd then crosses to Robert and does the same for him.) Don't 
try to leave this room until the American soldiers arrive, as you 
would be shot before you reach your friends by the Spanish 
marksmen. {He hands each of theni a revolver as he speaks.) 
And now, senors, adios. [Exit C. quickly. 

James {quickly). By George, Robert, I just thought of an 
idea. {He rises and stretches himself as he speaks, rt;/^ Robert 
does likewise.) Didn't Ramon say he'd be back here in a short 
time with his son, my daughter and a priest ? 

Robert {nodding). I believe so, Mr. Crawford. 

James. Why not pretend to be still in chains, and see how 
far this Spanish devil will go. And then at the last moment, 
when he thinks he is about to triumph, step in and break up his 
little game ? In the meantime it may give Shafter and his men 
a chance to reach this building. {The sound of cajinon is 
heard outside.) Hark ! The bombardment has begun ! 

Robert (quickly). It's a good idea and we'll carry it out. 
And when I get through with the son he will never forget this 
American, I reckon. 

{Both resume their position as before ; James 071 the floor; 
aiid Robert against the wall. 

Ramon enters from r,, followed by Louis, who helps Alma 
into the room j she is very pale and faint. 

Ramon {sneering). So you see the whole of us are here this 
time, all except the priest. He will be here directly to perform 
the marriage ceremony ! {Cannon heard outside. 

Alma istj'uggling with LOUIS who holds her by the arm, 
and speaking faintly). Oh, you cowards ! You shall pay 



28 THE ROUGH RIDER- 

dearly for this outrage ! You shall see before long what Amer- 
ican heroes can do ! 

Louis {laughing). Very good, very good indeed ! But all 
this display won't do you any good. My wife I have sworn you 
must and shall be in spite of all ! 

Ramon. Good for you, my son ! \^Canno7i heard outside. 

Louis. Perhaps you think this fine American hero of yours 

will help you, eh ? {Laughing.) I will show you ! {He releases 

Alma who crosses and kneels by her father.) Just see how I 

can humiliate your brave American friend ! 

\He crosses to Robert ajtd slaps hi?n in the face ; the 
face (7/ Sam appears at window pointing gun ^z/LouiS. 
Robert strikes Louis zuith his fist ; he reels against 
his father and falls just as Sam fires. Ramon receives 
the contents of the gun, staggers for a moment and 
then falls to the ground, clutching his breast. Alma 
crosses to Robert, while James Jumps up holding the 
revolver in his hand. 
Robert {placing arm around Alma and looking at Louis). 
That's one blow for the stars and stripes ! 

\Cannonading outside louder. 
James. And I have a good mind to give him another one ! 

[Places revolver to Louis'S head. 
Alma {appealingly). Father, don't ! 

Sam {at window waving his cap). Hurrah ! The soldiers 
am coming ! 

\A Jiumber of shots are heard, followed by loud cheering ; 
then a loud explosion ajtd a portion of the fiat falls 
away, through which Pedro enters waving an Amer- 
ican fiag and followed by Dennis and a number of 
American soldiers. 
Pedro {wavijtg fiag). At last Santiago has fallen ! 

[All cheer and wave their hats. Alma and Robert C. ; 
James guarding Louis ; Ramon lying on the fioor 
motionless ; Sam at window. Music. 

SLOW CURTAIN. 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 29 



ACT IV. 

Scene. — Same as Act I. Music — " Union Forever." 

James is seated at desk R., looking over some papers as the 

curtai?i rises. 

James. It will be a tough job to build up the plantation 
again, but I suppose it will have to be done. That war has 
cost the United States a large sum of money, and I am afraid 
it will cost a great deal more before we get through trying to 
civilize the Cuban insurgents. It seems all they are capable of 
is eating and sleeping. And as for work — that is simply out of 
the question. As long as Uncle Sam is willing to feed them, 
they 'don't seem to care what happens. All my old hands have 
left me, and heaven only knows where I can get any to help me 
work the plantation. Lucky thing for me I have still Robert, 
Dennis, Sam and that Cuban spy, Pedro, to help me along in 
the work of building up the plantation again. If all the msur- 
gents were as brave and as faithful as Pedro, the Cubans would 
never have needed the help of Uncle Sam to break away from 
the claws of Spain. 

Pedro enters fro77t l. 

Pedro {looking aroimd). Senor, can I speak to you for a 
moment ? 

James {i^i surprise as he looks around). Why,, certainly ! 
{Quickly.) But I hope you are not going to leave me as all the 
rest of my men have done, now that Cuba is under the protec- 
tion of the stars and stripes. 

Pedro {shaking his head slowly). No, senor, I am not 
going to leave you. 

James. Well, then, what is it you wish, Pedro ? 

Pedro {looking around cautiously and fingering his hat 
7iervously which he holds in his hajids). Senor, a man has 
just applied for work on the plantation. He is dressed and 
looks like a Cuban, and yet there is something remarkably 
familiar about him. And yet, sefior, I swear I never saw him 
before in all my life ! 

James. I am afraid your fears are groundless, Pedro. I 
have not an enemy in the world that I am aware of. Ramon 
Marana is dead, killed by a bullet from the gun of Sam Jackson, 
the day Santiago was stormed and fell into the hands of the 
Americans ! 



30 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

Pedro. Very true, senor. But remember this Ramon Marana 
had a son, every bit as bad as himself. 

James [quickly). By George, Pedro, you are right. I had 
quite forgotten about the son. 

Pedro. He was not among the officers of Santiago that sur- 
rendered when you allowed him to go, nor was his body found 
among the slain. 

James {thonghtfidly). Yes. it was rather strange the way 
he disappeared and left no trace behind. {Laughing.) And 
so you think this strange Cuban is Don Louis in disguise ? 

Pedro {shrugging his shouldci'S). Quicji sabe, senor ? 

James. Have no fear, Pedro. We are all safe. Louis 
Marana would never dare to molest us now. Uncle Sam and 
not Spain is ruling Cuba at the present time. 

Pedro. Remember, senor, Don Louis Marana is a Spaniard, 
and all Spaniards are treacherous. 

James {laughing). You don't seem to have much faith in 
Spanish honesty, it seems. 

Pedro. Can you blame me, senor ? 

James. Well, hardly. But, Pedro, hunt up this strange 
Cuban and send him here at once. I'll have a talk with him, 
and see if you have any grounds for your suspicions. 

Pedro {nodding). Si, senor. [Exit L. 

James {thoughtfully). What if Pedro should be right in his 
suspicions ? What if this strange Cuban should be Don Louis 
Marana, in the disguise of one of his men. Some of these 
Cubans are shrewder than they are given credit for, and Pedro 
is one of them. Perhaps he has sized up this stranger correctly 
after all. I think the best thing I can do is to keep my eyes 
open and not be caught napping. 

Pedro enters fro7n l. followed by Louis. 

Pedro. Here is the one I was speaking to you about, senor. 

James {nodditig). Very well, Pedro, you may leave us for 
the present. 

Pedro {bowing). Si, senor. 

[Exit L. after casting a suspicious glance at LOUIS. 

James. W^ell, my man, Pedro tells me you wish to work on 
the plantation ? 

Louis {hiDnbly, as he nerzwusly fingers his hat). Si, senor. 
{Aside.) I am safe ; he doesn't know me in this disguise. 

James. And why do you wish to work ? As a general rule 
the insurgents show no desire for manual labor while Uncle 
Sam is willing to feed them. 

Louis {aside). Curse Uncle Sam, and the whole American 
nation ! {Aloud.) I am not one of that kind, senor. I do not 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 3I 

wish to eat the bread of charity. And in order to live and eat 
one must work. 

James {nodding). There is sound sense in all that. All 
right. Have you been fighting with the Cuban patriots for the 
liberty and freedom of the island ? 

Louis (bcnuing). Si, senor. 

James. It seems to me I have seen you before somewhere. 

Louis {shrugging his shoulders). No doubt, sefior. {Aside.) 
Can he suspect me .-* 

James. What is your name ? 

Louis. Miguel, senor. 

James. Are you a full-blooded Cuban ? 

Louis. Si, senor. 

James. Well, Miguel, you can go and hunt up Pedro, and 
tell him I have engaged you for the plantation. ■ He will show 
you what you are required to do. 

Louis {gratefully). Oh, thank you, seiior. [Exit L. 

James {looking after him). Pedro was right after all. There 
is something remarkably familiar looking about that fellow, and 
yet I can't just tell what it is. {Rising.) Well, for the sake of 
America and the downfall of Spain I am gomg to keep my eye 
on this strange Cuban. [Exit C. 

Louis enters froin l. 

Louis {looking around cautiously as he enters a?td then 
draws a sigh of relief when he finds the room empty). At 
last I am under this roof once more. I thought once Pedro had 
penetrated my disguise, but my fears were groundless. And 
once again I was sure of discovery when the American Craw- 
ford began to ask me so many different questions. But I passed 
through the ordeal in safety. Once the opportunity presents it- 
self, and I will kidnap the girl and carry her away to Spain with 
me. I'll yet show these boasting Americans that they are no 
match tor one real live Spaniard when he makes up his mind to 
act. Cuba may be lost to us, but we are well rid of an island 
full of niggers. The Americans are well used to handling them, 
so let them try and civilize the Cubans if they can. I am sure 
I wish them all the joy in the world in the undertaking. 

[Exit L. 

Inez enters from c. 

Inez {looking around and sighing). No one here. I was 
sure I would find Senor Rafferty in this room. How strange he 
seems since the war ended. How cold and distant. I did think 
at one time he would make me his wife, but it seems to be all a 
dream of the past. {Sadly.) Why can't I be happy like the 
young senorita ? Is it because she is an American and I am a 



$2 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

Cuban ? Is not my atfection as strong as hers, although my 
skin is not as white. [Sig/is. 

Alma enters from c. 

Alma {enters just in time to hear her sigh ; looking at her 
and speakifig in surprise). Why, Inez, what is the matter ? 
Why are you sighing so ? Has anything happened .-' 

Inez {shaking her head). Nothing that I know of, senorita. 

Alma {quickly). Oh, yes, there must be, Inez. Girls aren't 
sighing for nothing nowadays. Come now, Inez, tell me all. 
Are you not happy in this home ? {Quickly.) Oh, I see, Inez, 
you are in love with Dennis. 

Inez {holdi?ig down her head). The American senorita's 
eyes are sharp ! 

Alma. Don't be sighing so, Inez. I know that Dennis 
thinks all the world of you ! 

Inez {bashfully). Do you think so, senorita. 

Alma. Ves, I have heard him say so, himself. {Listens.) 
Hush ! I think I hear his voice. He is coming this way. I 
will leave you with him. 

Inez {quickly trying to detain her). Oh, senorita, don't run 
away from me. 

Alma {laughing). Don't be a little simpleton, Inez. If he 
asks you to be his wife say yes, as you may lose him if you 
don't. S^Runs out C. laughing. 

Inez. The American senorita is indeed brave like all of 
her country people. 

Dennis enters frojn l. 

Dennis {in surprise). Well, may I never see heaven, but is 
it yerself, Inez ? Shure, what seems to be the matther with you, 
at all, at all ? Are ye sick, darlin' t 

Inez {holding down her head). Yes, senor, I am sick. 

Dennis. Then I'll hunt up a docther, an' have him tix ye up 
in no time. 

Inez {slowly). It's something no doctor can cure, senor, but 
the grave. 

Dennis. What the divil do ye mane, at all, girl 1 

Inez. My sickness is of the heart and not of the body, Senor 
Rafferty, 

Dennis {quickly). Oh, faith, that's easily cured. Darlin', 
now that the war is over, do you think you could learn to love 
me enough to marry me ? 

Inez {slowly ajid sadly). The American senor is but trying 
to jest with the poor Cuban girl, 

Dennis {quickly). Divil the jest, acushla ! Cuba was down- 
trodden and so is Ireland. Cuba was set at liberty by America, 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 33 

and who knows but Ireland will be free in time, an' be the help 
av the same counlry ! So let us hope in the future ! 

Inez. And will not the senor be ashamed of his Cuban wife ? 

Dennis (^quickly). Av coorse not. 

Inez. But my skin is not as white and fair as the American 
seuorita. 

Dennis {laughing). Shure ye haven't none the best av me, 
me girl. Since I came to this island me own mother wouldn't 
know me now, I'm so burned with the sun. So if you will only 
say yis whin I ax ye I'll be the happiest man on earth. 

Inez. You will, sefior ? 

Dennis. I vvill that. But, darlin', I'm waitin' patiently. 

Inez {in surprise). You are waitin', senor ? 

Dennis. Av coorse I am. 

Inez. I don't understand the senior. 

Dennis. I am waitin' for ye to say yis. 

Inez. Oh ! {Laughing.) But you haven't asked me yet. 

Dennis {aside). Well, what do ye think av that .? {Aloud.) 
An' was that all ye have been waitin' for, me angel ? 

Inez {nodding). Yes, serior. 

Dennis. Thin hear me, Inez, darlin'. I want ye to be the 
future Mrs. Dennis Rafferty. If ye say yis all well an'gude. If 
ye say no there is liable to be throuble. Now thin, darlin' av 
me heart, will ye marry me, an' put an end to all me fears 
at wance. 

Inez. Yes, senor, I will be your wife. 

Dennis. Do ye mane that, Inez .? 

Inez. The senior knows I do from the bottom of my heart. 

[Sam enters /r6>;;/ C. with an armful of dishes j he stops after 
enteri?ig the room and seniles when he sees the two of thein. 

Dennis. Thin come to me arms, so that I can give ye a kiss 
that would sink the "Texas." 

Inez. I am ready, sefior. 

Dennis. Thin come a-jumpin', me angel. 

[He opens his arms and she runs into the?n : he hugs 
and kisses her with delight. 

Sam {dropping all the dishes on the floor and clapping his 
hands in delight). By golly ! I'ish, that am lubly ! 

Inez {breaking away from DENNIS). Oh, senor, some one 
has been watching us. [Runs out L. 

Dennis {crossing to where Sam is standing). Nagur, if I 
wasn't so happy I'd break your head. But as I have won the 
girl av me heart I am goin' to forgive ye ! 

Sam. I'ish, I have a great scheme. When yo am going to 
be married, I'll be yo best man. 

Dennis {shakifig his head). No, nagur, ye won't. Whin I 



34 THE ROUGH RIDER. 

git married my best man will be a white man an' not a nagur. 
Now put that in yer pipe an' shmoke it, me fine boy ! 

[Exit I., with a swagger. 
Sam [looking after him). Well, sakes alive, but he am cut- 
'nly a wahm baby ! {Lookitig down at the broken dishes.) At 
least he might have helped me to pick up the broken dishes. 
[He kneels down and begins to pick the pieces up and place them 
on his arm ; as fast as he picks them up they fall off again. 
After trying for several seconds, he throws all the pieces down 
he has in his arms and rises in disgust.) Somethin' am cer'- 
t'nly wrong somewhere. I spect the best thing I can do am to 
get a broom and dustpan. I'll surely catch it from missey if 
she see dis room now. So I thinks I'd best hurry and 'scape all 
kinds of trouble. So here goes fo' the broom and the dustpan. 
Mighty mean I'ishman that wouldn't stop an' help me. But 
hum ! He am in love an' powerfully bad at that. Hum ! 
I'ishman am no good anyhow. [Exit L. 

Alma enters /;^^w c. 

Alma {seeing the broken dishes on the floor). Mercy on me ! 
What is the meaning of this, I wonder ? Sam must have been 
dreaming, to break all the dishes. 

Louis enters yv-^w l. 

Louis. Can I speak with the senorita, for a moment ? 

Alma {noddi?tg). Yes. {Pointitig to dishes on the floor.) 
First pick up the broken crockery from the floor. 

Louis {Proudly). Senorita, I am no servant ! 

Alma [stertily). Then what are you doing in this room ? 
{He retnoves his disguise and smiles.) Ah, heavens, I see it 
all now ! You are no Cuban, but Don Louis Marana in disguise. 

Louis {lattghijig). Correct, fair lady. Your eyes are a good 
deal sharper than the others and would have found me out 
sooner or later. 

Alma. And what do you want in this house, Don Louis ? 

Louis. I came after the fair senorita. 

Alma. And do you thmk I will go with you ? 

Louis. You can't help yourself, fair lady. 

Alma. I will scream for help. 

Louis. What good will that do you. I took the American 
captain from among his friends, and escaped. And I intend to 
do the same with you. So prepare to accompany me at once. 
The Americans have wrested Cuba from us, and I am stealing 
you from them. It's a fair exchange and no robbery ! 

[She turns to run past him when he catches hold of her 
and both struggle desperately. 



THE ROUGH RIDER. ' 35 

Alma {calling). Help ! help ! father ! Robert ! 

[Robert runs in from c. 
Robert (quickly). What is the meaning of this ? 
Alma (wildly). Oh, Robert, save me ! 
Robert {stei'-nly). Release that girl, you devil ! 
Louis. Yes, I'll release her, and rid myself of you at the 
same time. 

[//<? releases Alma and draws a knife and rushes at 

Robert. 
Robert {jumping back). So that is your game, is it ? {He 
draws a revolver and points it at LouiS.) Two can play at 
that game ! 

Louis {throwing knife away). The advantage is too much 
on your side. I am unarmed ! 

Robert {tJirowing revolver away, which falls at door C). 
Then it shall be man to man without weapons of any kind. 
Louis. Ha ! I have you now ! 

\He draws another knife and rushes at Robert just as 
Pedro enters /V^-'-'^ c., picks tip the revolver from the 
floor aiid fires J LOUIS reels for a mome7it, staggers 
and then falls to the ground. 
Robert {gratefully). Pedro, you have saved my life ! 

[Alma crosses and clings to ROBERT. 

James runs in from c. 

James. What was the meaning of that shot ? 
Robert {poi^iting to body of LOUIS). We have seen the last 
of Louis Marana forever ! 

[Sam appears at door L, with a broom in one hand and a 

dustpan in the other. 
James {in amazement). Dead ! 
Robert {slowly). Yes, dead ! 

[Music — " The Star-Spangled Banner/'* 

Pedro, d. c. 

Robert and Alma, c. ; James l. 
Louis, r. Sam, l. 

SLOW CURTAIN. 



A NEW FARCE COMEDY. 



THE WIDOW FROM THE WEST. 

A Farce Comedy in Three acts. 

By HILTON COON. 

Five male, three female characters. Scene, an easy interior, the same for 
all three acts; costumes, modern and eccentric. V'his piece, which was success- 
fully presented for a season by the Don C. Hall Comedy Company, touring the 
Western States, is a farce comedy of the irresponsible school founded by Mr. 
Hoyt. Depending largely for its fun upon the contributions of individual 
humor of its players, it reciprocates by supplying a strong, if loosely woven, 
fabric of plot which can be embroidered with "specialties" to any extent. 
Plot is not usually a strong point in such pieces, but " The Late Mrs. Early," as 
it has also been called, provides quite enough to carry the interest of the per- 
formance successfully. The piece has plenty of incident and " business," and 
room for much more, and its characters provide an excellent basis for clever 
comedians to build " hits " upon. Not recommended for schools or church per- 
formance, as it is essentially theatrical in character. 

Price 15 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I.— The Weeping Willow Hotel. Indis Guys, the detective. Back 
from Klondike. "After the ball." The old maid's visit. A clever scheme. 
The Widow from the West. " If I was n't a married man." The rivals. A tele- 
gram. Sick abed. Angelina arrives. 

ACT II.— The two nurses. Sassafras tea. The bell-boy. Touched for two 
hundred. "Charge it in the bill." The red silk stocking. The detective again. 
"No one has ever seen my face." A noted criminal. Touched again. "Dis- 
charging" the boarders. "Ephesus, you have deceived me." Angelina defied. 

ACT III.— "One-eyed Eddie." The French maid. The widow and the de- 
tective. Knit vs Nit. "O Dusty! this is so sudden." A clock in a fit. The 
haunted house. Touched again. More fits. "Just like a man's beard." Caught 
at last. The telegram. " What's the ditf — I've got on pants?" Angelina abol- 
ished. 



AN ENGAGING POSITION. 

A Comedy in Two Acts. 

By LEWIS E. MACBRAYNE. 

Three male, three female characters. A briskly and humorously written 
little comedy, with an ingenious plot, full of ludicrous situations. A society 
piece, admirably adapted for amateur performance, and calliug for pretty 
though not elaborate stage settings, and handsome modern costuming, morning 
and evening dress. I s story concerns a young society man, who, by a series of 
mistakes, becomes engaged to three young ladies at one time — a somewhat try- 
ing and difficult position, the solution of which is ingeniously accomplished with 
most amusing results. An excellent piece, and a sure hit In the proper hands. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Sent^ postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



A NEW COnEDY. 



A GILDED YOUTH. 

A Comedy in Three Acts. 

By CHARLES TOWNSEND. 

Originally produced under the title of " Moses." Three male, two female charac- 
ters. Scenery, three easy interiors; cotsumes, modern. This piece, originally pro- 
duced by the author and employed by him for several seasons as part of his repertoire, 
provides for a full evening's entertainment and yet calls for but five characters. It is 
unique in this paiticular, and meets a want often felt by small professional companies as 
well as by amateurs. It naturally follows that every part is an important one, since so 
few people are required to carry the interest of the piece, which is second to none of the 
author's extensive list, and possesses to the full those qualities of briskness, bustle, wit, 
humor, and "go" which constitute his" professional trademark. Its story is neces- 
sarily a slender one, but it is complicated with an unusual wealth of humorous incident 
and ludicrous situation, and its action never flags for an instant. An "all star" com- 
edy for low comedian, " touch and go" light comedian, old man, old maid, and sou- 
brette. Strongly recommended. 

Price 25 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I. — Time, a midsummer afternoon. Long Branch. A romantic maiden. The 
Colonel gets news. Sam and Sadie. The pitcher of milk and the tale of a cat. Aunt 
Sadie's " nerves." Moses! A case of mix. Sam gains a promise. Trouble threatened. 
Trouble comes. A grand smash. 

ACT II. — Five minutes later. Sam's letter. Law and love. Sadie's suggestions. 
The " Slugger." Sam on his muscle. Moses and the Colonel. More mistakes. " Set- 
tled out of court." The broken promise. Mosesawreck. " I want revenge." A joint- 
stock love-letter. Sam's device. Aunt Sadie sees a chance at last. Sam reads the Riot 
Act. Comical climax. 

ACT III. — An hour later. At the Colonel's. Aunt Sadie grows impatient. Moses 
more mystified. Sam talks politics with the usual result. The Colonel on the warpath. 
Sadie's scheme. " Back me up now." The storm approaches. A cyclone — of fun. 
Sam's triumph. " After the storm, a calm." 



A NOVELTY IN Entertainments. 



APOLLO'S ORACLE. 

By ESTHER B. TIFFANY. 

An entertainment in one act. This novel entertainment is admirably adapted for 
summer theatricals at hotels or country-houses, not only because it requires no scenery 
and calls for Greek costumes only, which are easily arranged, but because its fun de- 
pends as much upon the audience as upon the actors. Two ladies and one boy are re- 
quired for its representation, and any number of girls for chorus. Complete with music. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Sent^ postpaid^ on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



A NEW CUBAN PLAY. 



THE ROUGH RIDER. 

A Drama in Four Acts. 

By BERNARD F. flOORE. 

Seven male, two female characters. Costumes modern and military; sce- 
nery easy but eltective. This piece, reflecting as it does the current patriotic 
sentiment and dealing with the scenes and incidents of the late war, is likely to 
be very popular with amateur clubs thisseason. The attempt has been made in 
it to construct an effective play, providing stirring pictures and situations, in- 
spiring patriotic sentiment, aud recalling familiar incidents of the war, without 
the use of supernumeraries or the need of elaborate scenery or properties. 
Better plays, no doubt, can be written, but better plays for the use of amateurs", 
bearing in mind their artistic limilations and the diflBculties offered by elaborate 
scenery and groupings, are not often to be had. A small cast, strongly marked 
characters, Negro and Irish comedy parts, rapid movement and strong lines 
unite to recommend this piece, Avhich plays about two hours. 

Price 15 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I.— War clouds. The now overseer. Father and son. The blowing- 
•Qp of the "Maine." A glimpse into the past. A scheme of revenge. An Irish- 
man's courtship. Nigger ^;.s■. Irish. A serious question. A declaration of love 
and another of war. The call for volunteers. " Take that, you Spanish dog!" 
The first blow for the freedom of Cuba. 

ACT II. — Sergeant Ilalferty. The Hough Riders. Alma in danger. The 
Cuban spy. A letter. Sam and Dennis. "Chickens, or I'm a liar!" A meet- 
ing. News from Manila. Traitors in camp. Danger. The poisoned water. 
Theabtluc ion. " We'll save him or die in the attempt!" 

ACT III. — In a Spanish prison. A black angel. Explanations. Planning 
an escape. The villain shows his hand. A forced marriage. "Remember! a 
Spaniar I never forgets." The Cuban spy again. The bombardment of Santiago, 
Laying low. The marriage ceremony. The tables turned. "There's one blow 
for the Stars and Stripes." The fall of Santiago. 

ACT IV. — Peace once more. A mysterious stranger. Suspicions. The 
Spanish kidnapper. Senor P'llferty's proposal. A colored " best man." The 
broken dishes. Throwing off the mask. " I am no servant." In the nick of 
time. Rescued. A cowardly trick, " Pedro, you have saved my life." 



AN OPEN SECRET. 

A Farce in Two Acts. 

FOB FEMALE CHARACTERS ONLY. 

By HARION D. CAHPBELL. 

Aa originally presented by the Emmanuel Club, Radcliflfe College, Cam- 
bridge. Ten female characters. Costumes, outing dresses; scene, a college 
room. A particularly bright and vivacious littU; glimpse of college life, pre- 
senting a particularly humorous and characteristic story with much vigor and 
skill. A brand new plot in a piece for female characters only is something of a 
rarity, but the author has hit upon something absolutely novel in this piece, 
and full of incidental humor and interest. Strongly recommended. 

Price . , 15 Cents. 



Sent postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



A NEW CUBAN PLAY. 



IN THE TRENCHES. 

A Drama of the Cuban War in Three Acts. 

By ABEL SEAMAN. 

Eight male, three female characters. Costumes modern and military ; scenery not 
difficult. An exceptionally strong and well-constructed melodrama, full of powerful 
situations and humorous incidents, which has been successful in professional hands. 
Its story is full of interest, and is told by a well-selected and contrasted group of charac- 
ters, including Hebrew, Irish and Negro comedy roles. The second act is laid in the 
trenches before Santiago, and gives opportunity for military display if desired. Its 
action is very spirited, its climax strikingly heroic and its appeal to patriotic sentiment 
overwhelming. Strongly recommended. 

Price 15 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I. — A strange will. War with Spain. The Colonel's history. Paul Davis' 
pride. The sealed packet. An honest man. A sad experience. A brave bargain. 
The dawn of love. Is he a coward? Held in trust. Financial agent. A brother's 
wrong. The seat of war. For love or money. Nadina's sacrifice. Passion's penalty. 
A man's independence. Strange disclosures. Rejected by the rose. The march to the 
front Beggar'd in pocket and bankrupt in love. With flying colors. A heart of gold. 
The roll of the drum. Away to the war. Facing the foe. 

ACT II. — In the trenches. Why he 'listed. An Irishman's philosophy. For 
valor. Unconscious of danger. The sergeant's hut. On the slopes of Santiago. The 
Colonel's prejudice. Risen from the ranks. A half-dead Spaniard. Letters from home. 
Strange news A cruel insult. The plot of ruin. Spies in the camp. A token of love. 
For himself alone. Nadina's truth. Under arms. Ringing the changes. Doomed to 
dishonor. Cruel to be kind. Husband and wife. The envelope and the seal. Sent to 
the front. The Spanish colors. The forlorn hope. A soldier's death. Food for pow- 
der 

ACT III. -^ In Santiago. The two papers. A rogue's quarrel. A deserted wife. 
Green's luck. The sacred truth. A blameless life. Brought to the test. Mother and 
child. A man to love. For her sake. Nadina's sacrifice. The love of the lion. The 
eagle spreads his wings. Testing the metal. Struck to the core. The spider's web. 
Joy does not kill. Forget and forgive. After many years. The stolen proof. Hoist 
with his own petard. Spanish treachery. Biting the dust. True to himself. Bowled 
out. 



Rubber Boots. 

A FARCE IN ONE ACT. 
By riANLEY H. PIKE. 

One male, three female characters. Scenery, an easy interior; costumes modem. 
This is a most ingeniously imagined and cleverly written little piece, admirably suited 
for amateur performance. Its theme is the encounter of three young ladies with a tramp, 
and it provides twenty minutes of d;lightfully humorous incident and dialogue. The 
tramp is a " dumb " character, his part being wholly in pantomime, but remarkably 
effective. Very strongly recommended. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Sent postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 








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